Staphylococcal secretory antigen A (SsaA)

Staphylococcal secretory antigen A (SsaA) is a highly conserved and immunogenic protein found on the surface and in the secretome of Staphylococcus aureus. It belongs to a family of proteins containing the CHAP (Cysteine, Histidine-dependent Antigen-binding Protein) domain, which exhibits peptidoglycan hydrolase activity, playing a crucial role in cell wall remodeling and bacterial cell division. SsaA is recognized as a significant virulence factor, with its expression linked to biofilm formation and the ability of the pathogen to cause invasive diseases such as bacteremia and endocarditis. Due to its high conservation across various S. aureus strains and its strong antigenicity, SsaA is a prominent candidate for the development of vaccines and immunotherapies. While no drugs specifically targeting SsaA are currently approved, it is frequently included in multi-component vaccine formulations and is a subject of research for novel antimicrobial strategies aimed at disrupting bacterial cell wall integrity.

Other names

Staphylococcal secretory antigen ASsaACHAP domain-containing proteinAdditional conserved virulence-associated surface/secreted protein

Down-regulation of gene expression (Signermycin B); Induction of opsonophagocytic antibodies (vaccines)